A recent update to Final Fantasy 7 on Steam has sparked widespread dissatisfaction among players, leading a prominent modding group to make an unconventional job application to Square Enix. The community expresses significant disappointment with the official release's technical shortcomings and perceived lack of quality when compared to existing fan-made improvements.
This bold move by the modding collective underscores a growing tension between game developers and their dedicated fan bases, especially concerning the preservation and modernization of beloved classic titles. The modders argue that their profound understanding and technical skills in enhancing older games could offer a valuable asset to Square Enix, potentially bridging the gap between official releases and community expectations.
Community Discontent with Final Fantasy 7's Latest Iteration
The updated PC version of Final Fantasy 7, recently launched on Steam and GOG, has been met with a largely negative reception from the gaming community. Despite introducing features like a 3x speed mode, options to disable random encounters, autosave functionality, and a "Battle enhancement mode" for in-combat recovery and Limit gauge maximization, these additions have failed to impress a significant portion of the player base. Many fans, particularly those who have invested time in modding the original 2013 PC release, argue that the official update is inferior. Criticisms range from persistent framerate issues to subpar texture filtering, with some even reporting game-breaking combat speed glitches, although Square Enix has reportedly patched some of these. The overarching sentiment is that the new version pales in comparison to the meticulously crafted and visually enhanced experiences provided by community-developed modifications. Players highlight that modders had already implemented superior versions of controller support, improved visuals, and various cheats, questioning the thoroughness of Square Enix's development and testing processes.
The current user review status on Steam reflects a "Mostly Negative" consensus, signaling widespread dissatisfaction. Players like "Jamesie Ghost" and "ehs03y3ol" voiced their confusion and disappointment, emphasizing that community efforts had long surpassed the quality of this official release. The frustration is further amplified by concerns over graphical fidelity, with modding teams pointing out that the new version makes backgrounds appear worse than in earlier iterations. This sentiment is compounded by fears that the older, more mod-friendly version might be delisted, pushing players towards an inferior product. The collective dismay indicates a disconnect between Square Enix's development approach for its classic titles and the high standards cultivated by its dedicated modding community, raising questions about the future preservation and enhancement of the Final Fantasy legacy.
Modding Collective Seeks Employment at Square Enix
In a striking display of both frustration and ambition, the Tsunamods team, a prominent group known for their extensive work on Final Fantasy-related projects such as Cosmo Memory and Echo S-7, has publicly sought employment at Square Enix. Their direct appeal to the gaming giant follows the widely criticized release of the new Final Fantasy 7 version, which they, along with many other fans, found to be subpar. The modders' exasperation peaked with the perceived regression in graphical quality and overall user experience, openly questioning Square Enix's development choices. Through their social media channels, Tsunamods highlighted the deficiencies of the official release, particularly contrasting its visual quality with community-made enhancements. They boldly declared their capability to "fix this" and improve upon Square Enix's efforts, turning their critique into a direct job application. The team explicitly stated their readiness to contribute their diverse expertise, encompassing programming, music composition, 3D and 2D artistry, and upscale engineering, all honed through their dedication to revitalizing older games.
This unprecedented move is born from a conviction that their deep understanding of the game and passion for its legacy could significantly benefit Square Enix. Tsunamods' public job application, complete with a call to action directing Square Enix to their contact information, signifies a desperate yet hopeful plea to inject genuine community-driven quality into official re-releases. While the likelihood of such a direct application succeeding is uncertain, it has resonated strongly within the broader gaming community, sparking conversations about the value of modders' contributions and the potential for studios to formally integrate these talented individuals. The situation underscores a burgeoning debate on whether game developers should acknowledge and even officially endorse the invaluable work of modding communities, leveraging their skills to breathe new life into classic titles and meet the high expectations of a passionate fanbase.
